About: cdobrei

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http://citysuitcase.com

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My husband and I would frequently visit Chicago. He grew up there and candidly couldn’t stay away from the Cubs. Although I consider myself a fairly pulled together person, it always seemed as though I missed the mark in fashion when I visited. My insecurities always led to a bevy of compulsive shopping prior to the visit and my suburban lifestyle only allowed for purchases at our lagging mall and “Premium” outlets. I felt confident when I left on the trip with a suitcase full of still tagged clothes but the second I walked through the door of our city savvy, fashion elite, just plain cool friends, I shrank. I still remember the feeling when I had my crisp new outfit on; white capri jeans, white tank with a fitted pink striped button down…I stuck out like a sore thumb. From my observation, cities in general don’t see a lot of color in fashion, let alone a baby f@%#ing pink shirt and pink and white Pumas. All very cool in California might I add but…not in Chicago. What sealed the deal…we were visiting those same city savvy, fashion elite, just plain cool friends and they took us out to this great Biker bar (sounds scary, but cool) for breakfast and a Bloody Mary. It was there that my fashionista friend leaned over to me and said, “Hmm, you can tell she isn’t from here.” And she was right, you could. The woman was wearing a perfectly acceptable yellow sweater twin set, and big, blonde, very done up hair and make-up. Hence, City Suitcase was born. I pulled together four friends and business associates that would complete the expertise needed to get this idea off the ground. They are all rock-stars in their fields and love travel and fashion. We vary in age, taste and economic demographic so that City Suitcase offers a wide range of information, tips and points of view. Our family now lives in both California and Chicago, which works out well for our new endeavor. We hope you enjoy City Suitcase. Travel safe and look your best!

Posts by cdobrei:

Fall Trends

These are People’s Style Watch 15 Fall Trends…and my comments on them.

1. Military (which includes Camo) - I’ve never really been a fan of Camo as a “Style”. I feel like it’s disrespectful toward the military. But I do like the military inspired colors (army green, brown, taupe) and military tailoring.

2. Minimalist Makeup - This makes me laugh because don’t you think we would all wear minimalist makeup if we could AND looked and felt good doing it!

Downtown BBQ

My daytrip to Napa (downtown Napa)…don’t overlook this charming mix of historic, hippy and posh. Downtown Napa appears to be, more than ever, a melting pot of cultures, economic diversity and good food. (and wine, but that’s just an obvious observation)

the HighLine in NYC

In NYC the place to see and be seen this summer is the HighLine. Re-purposing a defunct elevated train track into an amazing park has given New Yorkers a perfect place to promenade. The HighLine starts at Gansevoort and Washington Streets in the trendy Meat Packing District and ends at W 20th St between 10th and 11th Avenues (with plans to eventually go all the way to 34th St).

Seasoned in LA

So, you’re going to LA and you’re a seasoned traveler. By seasoned I mean, like me, you’re not a twenty-something. You’re more like an over forty-something. Even if you’ve maintained your weight, as you’ve aged your body shape has changed.

I can’t get enough of…STRIPES

>We’ve all heard it…horizontal stripes aren’t flattering. So, why are all the retailers this season designing so many garments and accessories with stripes? The answer is that, if worn properly, stripes can work for you. If you are petite, probably a bulky sweater with wide stripes wouldn’t be best.

Tired? Quick Fix Tips

Calm Red Eyes
Use some OTC eye drops to constrict the blood vessels, so whites look clearer and brighter. They will soothe eyes too. Visine
Spritz Your Face
Use chilled toner or water. Evian Le Brumisateur
Energy Boost
Emer’gen-C Super Energy Booster is a household staple in my house. Dilute in a glass of water and enjoy! Chanel Base Lumiere [...]

Fun in the Sun Chicago Style

On a particularly beautiful Chicago day, we HAD to take advantage of the weather. We packed up, jumped on the brown line and went to North Avenue Beach where they were hosting a volleyball tournie and beach bash.

Girls Go Wild in Vegas

A full weekend away from husbands, kids and reality…
6 of us girls headed for Vegas for a great weekend away at the MGM. The first day we headed to the pool to find exactly what we were trying to escape…KIDS!

Every woman’s nightmare

SWIMSUIT SEASON!
It doesn’t matter your size, figure or age, everyone has a thing or two that they are self-conscience about regarding their body. I just got back from Vegas and the pool was a daily venue. Wow, so much people-watching. There was every type of bathing suit and body type imaginable. Some women conveyed [...]

Dress Codes

Have you ever received an invitation that read, “Black Tie Optional” or “California Casual?” What? I don’t live in California! How do I know what they wear there? And a flurry of questions runs through your head as to what would be appropriate to wear. Behold, your dress code guide below.

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